Romance scams are a serious threat, especially around Valentine’s Day, and several US government agencies and non-profits are warning individuals to be vigilant.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued warnings in Texas and New Mexico, urging citizens to be cautious. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), romance scams are one of the leading causes of financial losses in online crimes. In 2021 alone, victims lost approximately $5.9 billion to these scams.
Special Agent Jeffrey R. Downey of the FBI El Paso Field Office emphasized the manipulative tactics used by romance scammers. Victims may feel embarrassed, but it is crucial to report any suspicious online admirers to the FBI to prevent further heartbreak and financial loss.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has also raised awareness about Valentine’s Day scam alerts, urging people to be cautious. According to Mika Aalto, CEO of Hoxhunt, romance scams thrive on dating sites where people are more trusting of strangers. Attackers exploit people’s desire for love and companionship, making them susceptible to manipulation.
Matthew Psencik, director of endpoint security at Tanium, advised being wary of strange diction or overly personal messages from strangers online. These could be signs of a bot or AI program trying to scam individuals. Challenging suspicious individuals with obscure personal questions can help deter scammers and protect against falling victim to their schemes.
These warnings come after the US Department of Justice (DoJ) seized seven domain names linked to a “pig butchering” romance scam campaign that utilized cryptocurrency transactions. It is essential for individuals to stay informed and cautious when interacting with strangers online, especially during holidays like Valentine’s Day.
By staying vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to romance scams and prevent financial loss and heartbreak.